User Review: Therm-a-Rest Original Z-Lite

Summary

A great pad if you are looking for something light and quick. The Z rest is at a great price point for what you get.

For the past 15 years or so, I have been using a self inflating pad, which are great, very comfortable. My only problem with them is the fact that I have punctured them many times (the three I have are full of patches), and packing them. Not that packing a self inflating pad is that big of a deal, but it is a little time consuming (inflate/deflate, roll/fold and squeeze into stuff sack). So I wanted something that I could just lay out, sleep, wake and roll/fold and go.

My solution is the Z Rest. I was a little skeptical that it would be uncomfortable on the rocky grounds I'm usually sleeping on. I was wrong, it performed very well, and I sleep well. Granted it's not as comfortable as my self inflating, but it's not uncomfortable. I'd give it 7 out 10 comfort points.

The only complaint about comfort is the feel of it on bare skin, especially in hot, humid weather. It feels terrible. I always keep a sleeping bag liner (silk) in my pack. I have been using it as a cover/sheet for the Z Rest and it makes the pad so much more comfortable (on bare skin). Packing it is effortless.

I'm 6'3" 215 pounds. All my other pads are large (25" x 78"). I thought the length of this pad (20" x 72") would be an issue. It's not really, its doable. Width is OK, I do wish it had another few inches in length.

This is a great pad if you are looking for something quick, light, comfortable, affordable and durable.